Christian Atsu Scores In Malaga Win

Black Stars winger came off the bench to register his strike of the season in Malaga ‘s heavy win over las Palmas.

The on loan Chelsea midfielder came on as a replacement for Juanpi on the hour mark for only his 12th appearance of the campaign.

Atsu joined the La Rosaleda’s outfit in the winter transfer window after a turbulent time with premier league side AFC Bournemouth.

The 24 year old wing wizard marked his liga debut with an opening goal for his side but has since been relegated to a bench warmer for the mid table side.

Atsu, who made his name whiles with FC Porto ,has since been turned into a nomadic player since trading the Dragao for the deafening Stanford Bridge in the summer of 2012.

The Ghanaian openly admitted falling in love with the atmosphere in the Rosaleda despite playing in only 12 league fixtures.

Compatriot Mubarak Wakasu came off the bench for Las Palmas as they slumped to a 4-1 defeat in the final match day of the season in Spanish football.

Christian Atsu Scores In Malaga Win

Referee"s Always Favour Real Madrid - Valencia

Benzema had a goal allowed when he was clearly in an offside position from the first shot, “eres un cagón” shouted the front page, basically “you shat yourself” – the words spoken by Valencia’s Rodrigo to the ref that led to his expulsion.

Karim Benzema (9) in an offside position as Ronaldo crossed a ball to the French striker

The replays show the French striker was offside, then onside, and that goal gave Real Madrid a 2-0 lead after Ronaldo had opened the scoring, breaking yet another record. Valencia “struck the fear of God into the madridistas”, as the Valencia paper puts it, putting Real Madrid’s unlikely title hopes in jeopardy when Rodrigo and André Gomes pegged the hosts back to 3-2.

Real Madrid won 3-2 against Valencia to move into second place ahead of city rivals, Atletico

Los blancos were whistling for full-time as extra-time seconds ticked on but managed to hold on and keep a flickering hope alive that Granada can do them a favour on the final day of the season, as Atleti crashed and burned at the final hurdle against Levante.

It was a “dignified defeat” said Andres Godella for the valencianistas, in Superdeporte, lamenting “What would it be like, just once, to visit the Bernabéu without some refereeing injustice”.

Referee"s Always Favour Real Madrid - Valencia

Wakaso Scores on Return from Injury

Spain based Ghanaian midfielder Mubarack Wakasu made a scoring return for Las Palmas after a lengthy spell on the treatment room.

The crocked midfielder opened his Liga account with the rejuvenated Palmas as they spanked Espanyol 4-0 on his return to first team action.

Wakasu, who has missed the last 9 matches for Palmas, came on as a 65th replacement for Lemos Mauricio but only needed 10 minutes to add to the goal feast.

The much travelled Ghanaian midfielder connected a delicious pass from William Jose to register his personal first in the league and his side’s fourth of the night.

Initial strikes from Nabil El Zhar Jonathan Viera and Pedro Bigas ended the clash as a contest before Wakasu completed the demolition exercise.

Wakaso Scores on Return from Injury

Match Build-up El Clasico: Barcelona vs Real Madrid

Barcelona will be hoping to inflict further damage on El Clasico rivals Real Madrid, and stay on course for a sixth La Liga title in eight years, when they welcome their old foes to the Nou Camp later today.

Luis Enrique’s men are now unbeaten in a remarkable 39 games in all competitions, and sit nine points clear of Atletico Madrid in second, and ten clear of Saturday’s opponents.

An unprecedented second successive treble beckons for the record-chasing Catalans, and victory over a Real Madrid side very much in transition would take them another step closer.

Here’s what you need to know as the kick off gets closer

Squads
Barcelona

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Claudio Bravo, Jordi Masip, Douglas, Gerard Pique, Marc Bartra, Rafinha, Daniel Alves, Thomas Vermaelen, Jeremy Mathieu, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba, Adriano, Aleix Vidal, Sergio Busquets, Arda Turan, Andres Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic, Sergi Roberto, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Munir el Haddadi, Sandro Ramirez.

Real Madrid

Keylor Navas, Kiko Casilla, Ruben Yanez, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Raphael Varane, Alvaro Arbeloa, Dani Carvajal, Danilo, Marcelo, Nacho, Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Isco, James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Jese, Lucas Vazquez.

Reasons for Barcelona fans to be optimistic

Barcelona sit nine points clear at the top of La Liga and 10 points clear of third place Real Madrid. The title is almost theirs.

The Catalan giants have already beaten Real once this season. They won 4-0 away in the Bernabeu back in November, helped by a brace from Luis Suarez.

Neymar. Suarez. Messi. Barca possess arguably the most lethal strike force ever. Between them they’ve netted 107 times for their club this season; a remarkable statistic.

Reasons for Real Madrid fans to be optimistic

They have more points from their last four games than Barcelona do. We’re clutching at straws a little here, but Madrid have 12 points from 12 while Barca only have 10. Zidane has built a bit of momentum ahead of the big one.

The pressure is off. At the Nou Camp and with the league title in sight, Barca are definitely favourites for this game. By contrast, Madrid are playing largely for pride and this could play into their hands.

Last 5 meetings

Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona

Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid

Real Madrid 3-1 Barcelona

Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid

Real Madrid 3-4 Barcelona

Last time out – Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona
Barcelona’s key man

Since his £75m move from Liverpool to Barcelona in July 2014, Luis Suarez has just got better and better. Playing alongside Neymar and Lionel Messi in Barca’s sumptuous front three, the Uruguayan has bagged 43 times in 43 appearances this season.

More than this, however, is Suarez’s all-round game. Tenacity has always been a big part of Suarez’s play and he has won over the Barca faithful with his enduring work ethic.

Brcelona’s demolition of Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in November and if he’s on form come Saturday night, he’ll take some stopping.

Real Madrid’s key man

Real Madrid have certainly been under-whelming at times this season. Rafa Benitez paid the price in January when he was sacked with his side lying four points behind then league leaders Atletico Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo has also come under fire at times for his performances, however the Portuguese star seems intent on silencing his critics. 41 goals in 38 games games prove that the three time Ballon d’Or winner is still at the top of his game.

Match Build-up El Clasico: Barcelona vs Real Madrid

Christian Atsu Returns To Full Training With Malaga

Ghana midfielder Christian Atsu has returned to full scale training with his side Malaga, after missing the Black Stars second leg qualifiers with Mozambique, last week.

The injury prone wing wizard returned to his La Rosaleda based club, after complaining of discomfort on his thigh, but has since started full scale training with his club team mates.

The 24 year old on loan to Chelsea has enjoyed mixed fortunes since his arrival in Spain during the winter break but a return to fitness will boost his chances of pocketing some precious playing time when the international break ends.

The talented forward was spotted happily undertaking routine shake up with Javi Gracia’s men at the La Rosaleda training annex after his return from the Black Stars camp.

The 2015 AFCON Most Valuable Player has seen his promising career take a nosedive since trading the Estadio Dragao in Portugal for the deafening Stand Ford Bridge in England.

The one time FC Porto fan’s favourite has since been shipped out on loan to Vittese Arnheim, Everton, AFC Bournemouth and Malaga since arriving in London in the summer of 2013.

Christian Atsu Returns To Full Training With Malaga

Barcelona vs Real Madrid: El Clasico In Numbers

Sportscrusader.com previews the world’s most watched football match from the most booked player to the number of goals scored by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. 

We take a look at some of the key stats ahead of the Camp Nou meeting on Saturday.

0 – Clasicos Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has presided over compared with three for his Barca counterpart Luis Enrique – a 3-1 defeat at the Bernabeu and a 2-1 win at the Nou Camp last season and also the 4-0 thrashing at the Bernabeu this season under ex-manager Rafa Benitez.

19 – The number of cards the fixture’s most booked player, former Real and Spain defender Fernando Hierro, collected in official Clasicos (18 yellow and one red). Real’s current centre back Sergio Ramos has 15 yellow cards and two red.

21 – The number of goals scored by Barca’s Argentina forward Lionel Messi in his 30 Clasicos, a record for the fixture. Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has netted 15 in 23 Clasicos for Real.
29 – The combined total of Clasico appearances made by Luis Enrique for Real (1991-96) and Barca (1996-2004).

31 – The number of Clasico appearances made by Barcelona playmaker Andres Iniesta, the most among active players from either side and one more than Ramos and Messi.

79 – The number of Clasicos former Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas (37) and former Barca midfielder Xavi (42) played between them. Saturday’s match will not feature either for the first time in a decade and a half.

230 – The number of official Clasicos played since the pair’s first encounter in the last four of the Spanish Cup in 1902, which Barca won 3-1.

389 – The number of goals Real have scored in official Clasicos, 15 more than Barca.

500 million – The number of soccer fans around the world who will watch the Clasico, according to an estimate by the professional soccer league (La Liga).

719 million – The market value in euros ($765 million) of Real Madrid’s squad while Barca’s is worth 658 million euros.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid: El Clasico In Numbers

Aubamayeng Chooses Real Madrid

Burussia Dortmund striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng has revealed a boyhood promise made to his grandfather will be a deciding factor in choosing his next club should he consider leaving the German side.

The Gabonese international mentioned he had promised his grand pa of playing for Spanish giants, Real Madrid before retiring from football.

The 26-year old striker, has attracted the interest of Europe’s biggest clubs after netting 27 goals in 31 games this season, is expected to be sold for at least £50million this summer if the Bundesliga club decides to do business.

He said, “Real Madrid? There’s no deal in place, but… I promised my granddad I’d play there one day. Like I’ve said before, I’d love to play in Spain and to finally enjoy a bit of good weather,” he told beIN Sports.

Its no secret Real Madrid are interested in securing Aubamayeng’s services but will have to wait for the final ruling from FIFA in relation to a transfer ban that is yet to take full effect.

Aubamayeng Chooses Real Madrid

Lionel Messi A "New" Award For The First Time

Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi for the first time he has won the award as Spain’s La Liga player of the month for January.

 

The award has been in existence since the beginning of the 2013-14 primera division season, but the five-time FIFA Ballon d’Or winner had not won it until now. Barcelona’s star man finally won the award at the 23rd time of asking after scoring six goals in as many league games in January.

 

La Liga explained on its official website how Messi ‘further demonstrated his quality’ via ‘his great form in the first month of the year’.

They added that ‘this accolade, which is awarded by the competition’s main sponsor, and voted for by writers, recognises Messi’s outstanding displays and his goal-scoring prowess, which make him one of the most feared strikers in the division’.

 

The 28-year-old scored a hat-trick against Granada as well as scoring in victories over Athletic Bilbao, Malaga and Atletico Madrid to take his total of league goals for the season to 12.

Lionel Messi A "New" Award For The First Time

Chelsea Omit Falcao From Champs League Squad

Chelsea have left striker Radamel Falcao out of their 22-man squad for the Champions League knockout stages.

 

The Colombian flop has been linked with a move to China after failing to make an impact during his loan spell from Monaco.

 

He has scored once in nine appearances in the Premier League, and failed to appear during the group stages of Europe’s flagship competition.

 

Meanwhile, new Blues signing Alexandre Pato has been named in the party as they look to the Brazilian to provide the firepower they need to go deep into the competition.

Chelsea Omit Falcao From Champs League Squad

I am Honest And Responsible - Mascherano On Tax Fraud

Javier Mascherano has released a statement after he was found guilty of tax fraud and sentenced to a year in prison and fined €815,000 (£625,000) for two tax offences

Mascherano published an open letter after the verdict in which he insisted he was an ‘honest and responsible person’.

He wrote: ‘I am a professional athlete, I have no great knowledge of tax and legal issues. Therefore, I’m helped by people that handles these issues, which for me are complex.

“Throughout my career I was an honest and responsible person, respecting my colleagues, the clubs I represent and the countries in which I lived.

“This situation I’m going through is another experience, from which I will come out stronger, and very calm as I am once again within the law.

‘I reserve the possibility of action against those who advised me badly by recommending me something which was not right.’

Mascherano is not the only Barcelona star who is having financial problems, with Messi set for a court appearance in May after he and his father were also charged with tax fraud through image rights arrangements.

Source: Daily Mail

I am Honest And Responsible - Mascherano On Tax Fraud

Transfer: Liverpool Challenge Arsenal For Young Ghanaian La Liga Prospect

Liverpool Compete Arsenal For La Liga Star

Liverpool are weighing up a move for Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish sensation Inaki Williams this month.

 

Jurgen Klopp is closely monitoring the 21-year-old forward as he considers bringing in more firepower in the January window. Klopp has been left short of options due to Daniel Sturridge, Danny Ings and Divock Origi’s injury problems while Christian Benteke has yet to convince since his £32m summer move to Anfield.

Hot prospect, Inaki Williams

Arsene Wenger and his Arsenal scouting team have like always kept a keen eye on Williams for years since he was tipped to break into the first team of the Bilbao based club.

Inaki Williams qualifies to play for Ghana and Spain has a £15.3m buyout clause in his current contract which expires in 2017.

Transfer: Liverpool Challenge Arsenal For Young Ghanaian La Liga Prospect

Sanctioned: FIFA Bans Real Madrid

FIFA Sanctions Real Madrid

Spanish clubs Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have been hit by bans from football’s governing body – FIFA.

 

 

The Madrid based clubs have received the same sanction which saw Barcelona receive a transfer embargo due to irregularities over signing ‘minors’. Football’s governing body FIFA have stated that only players over the age of 18 can move clubs unless the individual meets one of three criteria.

Atletico Madrid coach, Diego Simeone

Atletico Madrid have also been hit with a £620,000 in addition to the transfer embargo whilst their Madrid city rivals, Real have been fined £250,000.

A FIFA statement read: ‘The two clubs were found to have violated several provisions concerning the international transfer and first registration of minor players as well as other relevant provisions with regard to the registration and participation of certain players in competitions.

 

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will not be able to register new players from the start of February until the beginning of July 2017.

Sanctioned: FIFA Bans Real Madrid

Who Wears The Crown?: Ronaldo, Messi And Neywmar Head To Zurich Head For Award Gala

See Photos Of Messi, Ronaldo And Neymar Head For Ballon D’or Event

The king of world football will be crowned later today and among the shortlist of FC Barcelona/Argentina Lionel Messi, Real Madrid/Portugal Cristiano Ronaldo and FC Barcelona/Brazil Neymar Junior, it is the Argentine who stands out to be crowned for a record fifth time as world best footballer.

 

footballcrusader.com shares images of the three finalists arrival in the Swiss capital and headquarters of FIFA.

Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt will host this year’s Ballon d’Or award ceremony

Neymar Jr (far right) with his entourage en route to Zurich

Lionel Messi on board flight to Zurich with his partner

Skysports presneter, Kate Abdo will co-host for the second time

Cristiano Ronaldo touches down

Ronaldo poses along with his team

 

Who Wears The Crown?: Ronaldo, Messi And Neywmar Head To Zurich Head For Award Gala

"Thomas Partey Deserves A National Team Call Up"-Sam Johnson

Former Black Stars defender Sam ‘Foyoo’ Johnson has called on the coaches of the senior national team to extend a hand of invitation to Atletico Madrid Ghanaian international, Thomas Partey.

Partey has been very consistent for the Spanish side all season scoring some very important goals in all competitions, with the recent being the team’s 1-0 win over Levante last Saturday.

With the African Cup of Nations qualifiers as well as the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the pipeline for the Black Stars, Sam Johnson insists that the team can benefit from his experience.

“I think when it comes to one of the most consistent Ghanaian players abroad, Partey is one of them. For me, he has done enough to warrant a call-up into the Black Stars and I believe the coaches are aware of all this.”, Sam Johnson told sportscrusader.com in a chat.

“We all know how difficult the Spanish La Liga is, and for him to assert his influence in the team and in the league too, means that he is well cut out for greatness”.

“I will be very surprised if the next squad for Black stars players is announced without his name among the list”, he added.

"Thomas Partey Deserves A National Team Call Up"-Sam Johnson

Number 1: Luis Enrique Is The Best Coach In The World

IFFHS Names Enrique As Best Manager In The World

FC Barcelona treble winning manager and club legend, Luis Enrique has been named as the best coach in the world.

 

Luis Enrique was been named as the World’s Best Club Coach for 2015 by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).

The Barcelona boss had up 165 points in the IFFHS voting, virtually double the total of his closest challenger and former playing colleague, Pep Guardiola (86), to take over the crown that Carlo Ancelotti won last time out on the back of leading Real Madrid to ‘La Décima’.

Luis Enrique lift the UEFA champions league trophy in 2014

Luis Enrique with this recognition has become the third Barça manager to claim the prize, following in the footsteps of Guardiola (2009 and 2011) and Frank Rijkaard before him (2006).

Number 1: Luis Enrique Is The Best Coach In The World

Woodwork Denies Messi, Suarez And Neymar In Draw Aginst Espanyol

Espanyol Hold Barcelona To A Goalles Draw; ‘MSN’ Failed To Score, Yes They Did!

Barcelona were held to a 0-0 draw by a city rivals, Espanyol on Saturday afternoon at Cornellà-El Prat.

 

The game like all derbies was very intense and fiesty as both teams were tangling each other especially during corners and free kicks. Barcelona hit the post in each half, but Espanyol battled the whole way to frustrate their city rivals and earn a point in front of their new Chinese owner.

Messi under check from Espanyol defenders

Manager Luis Enrique reverted back to his full-strength starting XI, with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suárez in attack but Espanyol showed plenty of gust to start, with Ecuadorian striker Felipe Caicedo in particular posing as the danger man. But it was Barcelona who had the first real look at goal when Alba fluffed a ninth minute chance at the back post.

Luis Suarez battles for the ball against an Espanyol defender

Espanyol stayed difficult to beat as ever, frustrating the Barcelona forward, while using the push of the home crowd to move forward on the counter.

Neymar beats Espanyol defender

Neymar tried breaking the deadlock with a scissor-kick side volley in the 75th minute, and Messi missed with an 89th minute free kick, while at the other end Espanyol nearly stole a late win with Marco Asensio all alone at the back post, but the cross was too heavily for the Real Madrid loanee.

 

These same two teams will renew acquaintances on Wednesday in the first leg of the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey.

Woodwork Denies Messi, Suarez And Neymar In Draw Aginst Espanyol

New Boss: Manchester United Players "Expect Diego Simeone As Next Manager"

Atletico Madrid Boss Set To Replace Louis Van Gaal At Manchester United

Manchester United ‘s players are apparently readying themselves for Diego Simeone to become their next boss.

Louis van Gaal is hanging onto his job by a thread after embarking on United’s worst run since the 1989-90 season.

The Red Devils are without a win in eight matches and they have slumped out of the Champions League places – despite being top of the table just two months ago.

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho had been tipped as the man to take the Old Trafford hot seat if Van Gaal was sacked. The Sun newspaper reports that United’s players are of the belief that Atletico Madrid chief Simeone is leading the race for the coveted job.

Flashback: Jose Mourinho – then Chelsea coach (right) and coach of Atletico Madrid Diego Simeone (left) during a UEFA Champions League match

It would be a bitter blow to Chelsea, who has been tipped as Mourinho’s long-term replacement at Stamford Bridge for when Guus Hiddink steps down from his interim role.

 

A source close to a player reportedly said: “All the betting may be on Mourinho coming in but the talk among the players is all about Simeone.”

Van Gaal’s current contract expires in the summer of 2017 but it is believed that his stay will be cut short.

 

Atletico Madrid boss and former Argentina captain, Diego Simeone has enjoyed unprecedented success in Spain but could be poised for a move to the Premier League at the end of the season.

New Boss: Manchester United Players "Expect Diego Simeone As Next Manager"

Jury: Lionel Messi Vs Cristiano Ronaldo 2015 Stats In Review

Messi, Ronaldo; Who Ended The Year 2015 On Top Of  The Ladder

 

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the two best footballers of their generation if not ever. This statement many will disagree but the pair are a breath of fresh air to watch on the field of play. Like all mortals, they are fallible, as is the case when they represent their respective Argentina and Portugal. But in the coulours of the Blaugrana (Barcelona) and Los Merengues (Real Madrid), they are ‘immortals’ and their performances.

 

In this review, footballcrusader.com will focus on la liga, champions league and Other Cups (Copa Del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup) appearances excluding international or national appearances  .

Lionel Messi ended the 2014/15 season with FC Barcelona as a treble winner – La liga, UEFA champions league and Copa del rey. The Argentine made a total of 57 – appearances in all competitions. His competitor, if not ‘enemy’, Cristiano Ronaldo, went the 2014/15 season  trophy less with a combined club appearances of 54.

Ronaldo celebrates scoring for Real madrid

In the 2014/15 la liga season, Cristiano Ronaldo made 35 – appearances and scored 48 – goals making him the winner of the ‘pichichi’ – spanish goal king crown. He ended the season with 16 assists, something many question his desire towards and as a result has been tagged by many as a ‘selfish’ player more than a team player.

Lionel Messi, four times Fifa world player of the year winner made 38 – la liga appearances – three more than his immediate competitor and scored 43-goals – 5 fewer than Cristiano Ronaldo and had a credit assist of 18.

Reigning Fifa world player of the year, Ronaldo, made 12-appearances in the 2014/15 UEFA champions league and scored 10-goals and made 2-assists. This was not enough to help the Madrid based team retain the Europe crown they won for a record 10 – times. Lionel Messi, had a much successful UEFA champions league after his 10 – goals and 5-assists in 13 – appearances helped Barca win the champions league crown.

Barcelona forward, Lionel Messi

In other cup competitions (Copa Del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup) the duo made a total of 13 – appearances, Six for Messi and 7 appearances for Ronaldo. The former scored 5 – goals to the latter’s 3 – goals and made 4 – assists and 2 – assists respectively.

From August, 2015 to December 31, these two football geniuses have been at it again battling one another ‘knowingly or unknowingly’ with impressive and record-breaking performances.

 

Still early days into the 2015/16 season, Messi has 6 – goals in 11 la liga appearances. The Argentine has been out injured for 8 weeks. so one then may jump to his defence for the low number of goals scored. On the Madrid side, Ronaldo seems to be keeping Rafa Benitez at post with an impressive 14 – goals in 17 – la liga appearances and on par with Messi on 4 – assists made.

In the just ended UEFA champions league group stages round of matches, Messi made 3 – appearances and has scored 3- goals and 1- assist to his name. Ronaldo, 30, played in all six group stage matches and is leading the goal king chart with 11 – goals and 3 – assists.

 

Messi, 29, has been involved in the Spanish Super Cup final, which Barcelona lost to Atletico Bilbao on aggregate after losing the first leg by 4 – goals to nil and has also played in the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.

The Argentine number 10 has made a total of 4 – appearances in other cup competitions and scored 4 – goals.

 

We end the year 2015 and leave you our cherished readers to answer who among the two is the king of world football?

Jury: Lionel Messi Vs Cristiano Ronaldo 2015 Stats In Review

Worrying Times: Referee "Officiated In Favour" Of Real Madrid

Ref Awarded Madrid “Dubious” Penalties; We’ll Report Him To The Police – Real Sociedad Prez

 

Real Madrid defeated Real by 3-goals to 1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday to commence the return of the Spanish league after the Christmas break.

 

A brace from Cristiano Ronaldo and an icing on the cake and a debut goal from Lucas Vazquez secured under pressure manager, Rafa Benitez’s side all the three points.

Referee Gonzalez Gonzalez surrounded by Real Sociedad players after Madrid had been awarded a penalty

Ronaldo missed a penalty kick, his first this season but the decision by referee Gonzalez Gonzalez to award the penalty is what got Sociedad’s president furious.

Los Merengues were awarded another penalty in the second half but this time was turned in cooly by Ronaldo to make the scoreline 2-1 after he had tapped in a cross to give Madrid the lead.

Real Sociedad club president Jokin Aperribay

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay Bedialauneta, waited for the referees at their dressing room door when he he unleashed the statement; “This is a disgrace, you’ve come here to rob us. I’m going to report you to the police”.

Many teams have questioned the loyalty of officiating officials in games involving Madrid and especially at the Santiago Bernadette.

 

Worrying Times: Referee "Officiated In Favour" Of Real Madrid

Hero: Ronaldo Rescues Madrid To Top League Table

Ronaldo Misses A Penalty But Scores Two To Take Madrid Top Of The League

 

Rafa Benitez’s side took full advantage to move top of the la liga log for just some few hours until Barcelona and Atletico madriid honour their respective matches.

 

Cristiano Ronaldo helped Real Madrid earn a 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad on Wednesday evening at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid. Ronaldo converted a first half penalty before his match-winner, which was later followed by a Lucas Vázquez insurance goal, to give Los Blancos all three points against a very solid Real Sociedad side.

 

Ronaldo celebrates scoring for Real madrid

Rafa Benítez made just one change from the 10-2 win over Rayo Vallecano, with Nacho in for an injured Sergio Ramos in defense. Real sociedad’s goal keeper, Rulli, put in a shift that reduced the scoreline to a more decent one than it would have been.  Real were in desperate need as the atmosphere at the Bernabeu was turning ‘toxic’, their superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo stepped forward and rescued Rafa Benitez, as he hammered in a shot off a Marcelo free kick in the 68th minute.

It was a stellar goal from Ronaldo, and his 14th of the season in La Liga, and more importantly a goal that may have saved Benítez’s job.  With the 2-1 lead, Real were more comfortable in their play, and a Benzema shot almost made its way in just a minute after Ronaldo’s score, but Rulli was there to make the save.

Lucas Vazguez celebrates scoring his first goal for Madrid

There were a few late moments from Real Sociedad, who sought an equalizer, but substitute Vázquez extinguished any hopes of a late draw in the 86th minute by slotting home with aplomb a shot after a Bale cross from the left to give Real the 3-1 final.

David Moyes’ former side, Sociedad, continue to languish in the bottom half of the table and winning just once in their last four La Liga games, leaving them two points above the drop zone.

Hero: Ronaldo Rescues Madrid To Top League Table